Administrative regulations
Tab: Governance
Document number: ARM 10-20-10
Section: Library Documents
Subject: Library bill of rights
Summary
This statement, authored by the American Library Association, is the basis of the Johnson County Library’s ethical stance regarding collections and patron’s rights.
Effective Date: Reaffirmed September 13, 2012
Reviewed:
October 18, 2018
October 13, 2022
November 14, 2024
Library Bill of Rights
The American Library Association affirms that all libraries are forums for information and ideas, and that the following basic policies should guide their services.
Basic Policy
1. Books and other library resources should be provided for the interest, information and ideas, and enlightenment of all people of the community the library serves. Materials should not be excluded because of the origin, background, or views of those contributing to their creation.
Represents All Views
2. Libraries should provide materials and information presenting all points of view on current and historical issues. Materials should not be proscribed or removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval.
Censorship
3. Libraries should challenge censorship in the fulfillment of their responsibility to provide information and enlightenment.
Alliances
4. Libraries should cooperate with all persons and groups concerned with resisting abridgment of free expression and free access to ideas.
Right to Use
5. A person’s right to use a library should not be
denied or abridged because of origin, age, background or views.
Exhibit and Meeting Space
6. Libraries which make exhibit spaces and meeting rooms available to the public they serve should make such facilities available on an equitable basis, regardless of the beliefs or affiliations of individuals or groups requesting their use.
Privacy
7. All People, regardless of origin, age, background, or views, possess a right to privacy and confidentiality in their library use. Libraries should advocate for, educate about, and protect people’s privacy, safeguarding all library use data, including personally identifiable information.
History
Adopted June 19, 1939, by the ALA Council; amended October 14, 1944; June 18, 1948; February 2, 1961; June 27, 1967; January 23, 1980; January 29, 2019.
Authorship
American Library Association
November 14, 2024
ARM 10-20-10